Mark Begich on Immigration

Democratic Jr Senator

Only Congress can grant amnesty, not President

Last week, the Senate briefly squabbled over immigration legislation, blocking a Republican proposal from coming to a vote. Now, Republicans
are using that as ammunition. In an email to supporters, Sullivan said: "Begich cast the deciding vote in favor of President Obama's authority to issue executive amnesty to illegal aliens." Based on our research, that's not what happened.

Our ruling:
Begich never voted on executive amnesty. In reality, Begich voted "no" on a procedural measure so that an amendment regarding immigration policy did not come up for a vote. It's debatable whether this amendment really addressed "executive amnesty."
We rate this claim False.

[Bottom line]: Begich and Sullivan were asked if they would support the president taking executive action on giving amnesty to illegal immigrants: "No. Congress needs to be a part of it," Begich said. Sullivan said, "No way."

Reservations about denying illegalsí retirement benefits

Q: If the President signs the final Executive Totalization Social Security Agreement with Mexico it could lead to Social Security benefits going to individuals who worked in the U.S. while illegal.
Do you support the Totalization Agreement?

A: Mark Begich has reservations about any program or legislation that could reduce benefits to our seniors.